Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on the Indian team after they registered a thumping nine-wicket win against the UAE in the ongoing Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday.
Chopra said it was a mismatch as the total match lasted for 17.4 overs. UAE was bowled out for 57 runs after Suryakumar Yadav decided to bowl first and then the Men in Blue were able to chase down the target in 4.3 overs.
“It wasn’t a match; it was a mismatch because the UAE challenge was totally dismissed. It was being said that it’s a T20 match, but the two teams together played 17.4 overs. The match ended and India won,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator questioned Muhammad Waseem’s captaincy as the UAE skipper gave the first over to Haider Ali, left-arm orthodox, against Abhishek Sharma.
“There was one question before this match for sure as to how Shubman Gill would play, would he run at the speed Abhishek Sharma runs? He ran even faster than him, although Abhishek Sharma hit a six off the first ball, and I am wondering who bowls a left-arm spinner when a left-hander is facing” the cricketer-turned-commentator observed.
“It’s like sending a lamb to the slaughterhouse. He hit sixes and showed intent. The match (innings) lasted only 4.3 overs. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten and Suryakumar Yadav came and hit a six off his first ball. This was as dominating as it could get,” he added.
Sharma and Gill scored 30 and 20* runs respectively in the run chase. On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav returned with match-winning figures of 4-7 in 2.1 overs he bowled. Chopra said Yadav’s return was incredible as he didn’t play a single Test in England.
“Kuldeep Yadav’s comeback was incredible – four wickets. He bowled just 2.1 overs. He was picking up wickets whenever he bowled, and you wonder how fantastic the combination of Kuldeep and Varun Chakaravarthy is. Since Kuldeep Yadav hadn’t been playing for such a long time, people have forgotten the kind of form he is in,” he said.
“He didn’t play in England, but he was doing well in the IPL. He plays for a franchise that plays in tiny grounds, either in Vizag or the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He is releasing the ball very well, but no one is playing him. He should have been played in England, but you didn’t play him a single match,” Chopra observed.
India will next take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on Sunday.
